The Los Angeles County Department of Public Health has issued a warning to residents concerning the ongoing heatwave, particularly in certain parts of L.A. County. The department has issued an excessive heat warning for the Antelope Valley, in effect from Thursday through Saturday.
Other heat warnings for Friday through Saturday are also in place for the northwest L.A. County mountains, the 5 Freeway corridor, east San Gabriel Mountains, Santa Clarita Valley, West San Fernando Valley, and west San Gabriel Mountains and Highway 14 corridor. Heat advisories are also in place for Thursday through Saturday for multiple areas, including the Santa Susana Mountains, east San Fernando Valley, San Gabriel Valley, the Calabasas and Agoura Hills area, Palos Verdes Hills, and the east and west Santa Monica Mountains.
Officials recommend that people stay well-hydrated, avoid going outdoors during the hottest times of the day, and be aware of the symptoms of heat-related illnesses. They also strongly advise against leaving children or pets in cars, even with the windows cracked open, and call for vigilance in checking on vulnerable individuals and pets.
The National Weather Service has also highlighted the risk of fire due to the heatwave, warning that any fire start could potentially bring rapid growth in the region. The current weather conditions serve as a reminder of the importance of heat safety measures and the risks associated with extreme heat.